Perfectly Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Cooking a whole beef tenderloin is much easier than you might think—and totally worth the effort for melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon! Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a special dinner party, or just a fancy Sunday meal, this step-by-step guide will ensure your beef tenderloin roast recipe turns out perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful every single time.

I’ve made this beef tenderloin roast recipe hundreds of times as a private chef, and trust me, this foolproof reverse sear method never fails. If you want an evenly pink roast with a crispy, golden crust on the outside, this is the recipe for you.

Pair this impressive dish with jumbo crab cakes or a lobster bisque for an indulgent surf-and-turf experience. Add a classic potato gratin, creamed spinach, and a bold red wine for the ultimate steakhouse-style meal!

Table of Contents

Why This is the Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Reverse Sear Technique: Ensures even cooking and a perfect crust.
No Guesswork: Focuses on temperature, not time for flawless results.
Versatile & Elegant: Great for holidays, special occasions, or even a fancy weeknight dinner.
Tender & Juicy Every Time!

Ingredients for Beef Tenderloin Roast

1 whole beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied*
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

Essential Equipment

Meat Probe Thermometer: Guarantees precise doneness.
Large Sheet Pan: A must for the full tenderloin.
Butcher’s Twine: Keeps the roast evenly shaped for even cooking.

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Roast

1: Trim & Tie the Beef Tenderloin

Pat the tenderloin dry and remove “the chain” (a long strip of meat, fat, and connective tissue along the side).
Remove the silver skin using a sharp boning or fillet knife, slicing just beneath the membrane without taking off too much meat.
Tie the roast with butcher’s twine every 2-3 inches to maintain its shape for even roasting.

Pro Tip: Your butcher can trim and tie the tenderloin for you!

2: Prepare for Roasting

Let the meat sit at room temperature for an hour before roasting.
Preheat the oven to 275°F.
Place the tenderloin on a sheet pan.
Rub with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

3: Slow Roast & Reverse Sear

Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin.
Roast in the oven until it reaches your desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 115-120°F
- Medium-Rare: 125-130°F (recommended)
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 145°F (not recommended to go higher)
Remove from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
Sear the roast under the broiler, turning every 30 seconds to a minute until all four sides are browned.

4: Rest, Slice & Serve

Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sauces & sides.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with These Steakhouse Classics

Appetizers: Roasted mushroom crostini, Meyer lemon olives
Salads: Kale Caesar salad, warm spinach salad with pancetta
Sides: Potato gratin, rosemary roasted potatoes, creamed corn
Sauces: Horseradish cream sauce, bordelaise, chimichurri, steakhouse sauce
Desserts: Chocolate hazelnut panna cotta, fudgy brownies

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Store wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Enjoy cold or gently reheat to avoid overcooking.
Freeze the trimmings for later use (see FAQ below).

FAQs

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin?

The reverse sear method (low roasting followed by a high-heat broil) produces even cooking and a delicious crust.

How long should beef tenderloin be cooked?

Cooking times vary, but as a general guide:
Rare: ~25-30 min per pound
Medium-Rare: ~30-35 min per pound (recommended)
Medium: ~35-40 min per pound
Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy!

What’s the difference between beef tenderloin and a beef tenderloin roast?

Beef Tenderloin: Whole, untrimmed cut of meat.
Beef Tenderloin Roast: Trimmed, tied, and prepped for roasting.

Should beef tenderloin be cooked covered or uncovered?

Uncovered! This helps create a golden crust instead of steaming the meat.

What can I do with the beef tenderloin trimmings?

Grind for burgers
Use in stir-fries or fajitas
Make homemade beef stock
Render fat for sauces
Freeze for later use

How do I ensure my beef tenderloin stays juicy?

Let it sit at room temp before cooking.
Use a probe thermometer for accuracy.
Rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Slice against the grain for tenderness.

Perfectly Roasted Beef Tenderloin Recipe

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This beef tenderloin roast recipe guarantees a tender, juicy, and flavorful roast every time. Using the reverse sear method, you’ll get a perfect beef tenderloin steak with an evenly pink interior and a beautifully browned crust. Whether for a holiday or a special dinner, this beef tenderloin roast recipe is a showstopper. Try it and impress your guests!

If you tried this beef tenderloin roast recipe, let me know! Leave a star rating and a comment below.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin – Tender, Juicy & Flavorful

Perfectly Roasted Beef Tenderloin – Juicy & Flavorful Recipe

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